Ali Asad
Srinagar, Mar 20: In the midst of burgeoning talks surrounding the formation of a new alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his party’s readiness for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, expressing a firm stance against any potential opposition coalition, whether deemed as B-team, C-team, or D-team.
Addressing the brewing political developments, Abdullah stated, “This is not the first time that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will see that everyone comes together to defeat the National Conference… This time also whoever has to meet, whether it is the B-team, C-team, or D-team, they can meet… We are ready for this election.”
He added that the similar situation occurred in 1977 when the entire political spectrum of Jammu and Kashmir united against NC founder Sheikh Abdullah. However, said Omar, “the victory was ours then and the victory will be ours now. We have fought militancy, boycott and at present the dispensation at the centre is doing every bid to defeat us. But we will sail through,” Omar told reporters.
The statement comes amidst discussions between various political entities, including Altaf Bukhari’s Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) and Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), regarding a potential pre-poll alliance in the region. While JKAP has signaled openness to collaborate with like-minded parties for the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir, DPAP has also hinted at exploring alliance prospects, awaiting a decision from Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Speaking on the prospects of alliance formations, Mohammad Rafi Mir, the general secretary of JKAP, emphasized the party’s commitment to engaging with parties aligned with the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. While JKAP has excluded any immediate alliance with the BJP due to ideological differences, it remains open to future collaboration.
Similarly, DPAP’s chief spokesperson, Salman Nimaji, indicated ongoing discussions with like-minded parties, hinting at ideological resonance with the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference.
Earlier, Omar Abdullah had raised concerns regarding the government’s readiness to facilitate the Election Commission in conducting simultaneous elections across states, particularly questioning the logistics of security arrangements.
